Most of us are familiar with shiatsu, but how many of us have come across Ashiatsu? It has a long tradition and Sam Foulkes tells us more about it.

Having been a therapist for more than 25 years using many different types of treatments on my clients I have to say that Ashiatsu is the one that stands out in terms of providing benefit not only in the sense of relaxation and wellbeing but also therapeutic support for people suffering from chronic conditions and pain. It has taken me on a different approach and pathway in my career.

What is Ashiatsu?

This is a question familiar to the few people who at present practise it. Ashiatsu is a barefoot massage technique with its roots crossing many countries in Asia and other countries in the Far East. Massage using the feet as well as the hands has been commonplace for hundreds if not thousands of years in countries as diverse as India, Thailand, and Japan. It allows the therapist to use gravitational force to apply deeper pressure to relax muscle tension and achieve a smooth gentle flow to help the client relax mind and body therefore balancing the body as a whole. With the foot being stronger and broader and using gravitational force, the applied pressure can be withheld for longer periods. It also throws myofascial stretching into the mix to relax and stretch contracted muscles.

Ashiatsu massage is different in application.

In Japanese, “ashi” means foot, and “atsu” means pressure, and as such, the technique implements pressure, through the feet. Barefoot massage dates back centuries. It’s believed that it was first developed in Kerala, India 2000 years ago by practitioners of martial arts and used as part of their training to increase flexibility and to increase recovery time from injuries. Throughout the centuries many forms of ancient barefoot massage have evolved and spread all over the world.

Traditional Western massage techniques use hands, arms, and elbows to perform the treatment. This can be beneficial to the client therapeutically, but can be uncomfortable to receive and take a lot physically out of the therapist. Ashiatsu is a Western adaptation of these long-practised Eastern techniques. It is mainly performed using the therapists’ feet on a massage couch with ropes or bars over the couch to support and control how much pressure is applied. This means that while the massage can be deep tissue if required, it can also be adjusted to a lighter style treatment if the client is smaller, their body cannot cope with deep pressure or they wish for a more relaxing experience.

Deep compression massage does not break blood vessels. So, there is little to no bruising. The client does not experience the same pain as with deep tissue massage. The softer but deeper application of the barefoot massage is a nice benefit in place of the use of elbows and thumbs which can feel like sharp tools. Barefoot massage does not damage the superficial tissues.

Benefits

Reduces Chronic Pain

Deep tissue massage has long been effective in pain reduction. The compressive strokes of Ashiatsu loosen adhesions and release connective tissue. Adhesions and tight connective tissues create much of our discomfort. With Ashiatsu alignments go back into place.

My observation is that it can also aid sleep problems far better than that of traditional massage.

Reduces Stress


We know that massage reduces cortisol levels and has a well-documented positive effect on diastolic blood pressure.In addition, because of the deeper state of relaxation, there is greater relief of stress I would say that Ashiatsu enhances the state of nirvana. The client experiences a whole new level of calm.

Stimulates Lymphatic Nervous System

Thanks to the long strokes with the feet that go from almost head to toe, Ashiatsu stimulates the lymphatic and parasympathetic nervous system. The centrifugal (moving away from the centre), movements that the therapist does with the feet increases the circulation, bringing better oxygenation to the treated area and clearing away stuck waste faster.

Ashiatsu Fusion

The daily experience of seeing the difference this treatment makes, inspired me to add Ashiatsu Fusion to the courses I offer in my beauty school – SB Training. I teach two more fusion courses – Hot Stone Ashiatsu and Ashi-Stretch Fusion. 

I haven’t looked back since I started practising this technique and look forward to the future of massage techniques, always trying to develop techniques and modalities to tailor to clients with everlasting results.

Sam Foulkes of SB Training is an experienced massage and beauty therapist with over 25 years’ experience in the health, wellness and fitness industry. 

Contacts:

Tel: 07828394716

Email: simplyb1995@yahoo.com

Website: https://sbsalon.co.uk